Porbandar Port

Porbandar About this sound pronunciation (help·info) is a coastal city in the Indian state of Gujarat, perhaps best known for being the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi and Sudama (friend of Lord Krishna). It is the administrative center of Porbandar District.

History

Harappan settlement (1600-1400 BCE)
Onshore explorations in and around Porbandar brought to light, for the first time, the remains of a late Harappan settlement dating back to the 16th – 14th century BCE, which is similar to that from Bet Dwarka. This is another evidence to suggest that the Harappan legacy of maritime activity continued till the late Harappan period on the Saurashtra coast. The discovery of ancient jetties along the Porbandar creek signifies the importance of Porbandar as an active centre of maritime activities in the past.

Past Harappan age and classical Vedic ages, Indian mythology says it is the birthplace of Sudaama (Friend of Lord Krishna in Dwaparyug), hence it is referred to as Sudaamapuri or Sudamapuri.
Princely Porbandar (1600 CE onwards)

Porbandar was formerly the seat of the eponymous princely state in British India. The ruling family of the state belonged to the Jethwa clan of rajputs and had been established in the area since at least the mid-16th century. The state was subordinate to the Mughal governor of Gujarat until being overrun by the marathas in the latter half of the 18th century, whereafter they came under the authority of the Gaekwad court at Baroda, and eventually of the Peshwa. In common with the other states of Kathiawar, the state first came into the ambit of British influence in 1807, when the HEIC guaranteed security in the area in lieu of a fixed annual tribute to be paid to the Peshwa and the Gaekwad. In 1817, the Peshwa ceded his share to the HEIC; in 1820, the Gaekwad agreed to have the HIEC collect his due tributes in Kathiawar and remit the same to his treasury.
Huzoor Palace built by last ruler of Princely State of Probandar, Rana Natwarsinhji, in early 20th century, stands near sear shore at Marine Drive in city.

During the British Raj, the state covered an area of 1,663 square kilometres (642 sq mi), encompassing 106 villages and a population, in 1921, of over 100,000 people. It enjoyed a revenue of Rs.21,00,000/-. By 1947, the rulers held the style of “Highness” and the title of “Maharaj Rana Sahib”; they were entitled to a salute of 13 guns as a hereditary distinction.

Upon the Independence of India in 1947, the state acceded unto the dominion of India. It was merged with the ‘United State of Kathiawar’, effective from February 15, 1948 and eventually came to form part of the present-day state of Gujarat. The last King of Porbandar was Natwarsinhji Bhavsinhji Maharaj.

Tourist attractions

Kirti Mandir (birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi)
Rana bapu’s Mahal
Hari Mandir (Handeled by Ramesh Oza)
Khimeshwar Mahadev Temple(Kuchchdi)(1600 years old temple as per Archaeological survey of India)
Porbandar Bird Sanctuary (various species of birds like teals, fowls, flamingos, ibis, curlews can be seen)
Barda Hills Wildlife Sanctuary(located at about 15 km from Porbandar, ideal for tracking)
Bileshwara Shiva temple (built in 7th century)
Jamvant cave(15 km located at Ranavav town)(historical place from the time of ramayan)
Ghumli (37 km from the city, Capital of Jethwa kingdom till 1313, listed by Archaeological survey of India)
Bharat Mandir (Permanent exhibition of culture, history and geometry about India. It was established by Shri Nanjibhai Kalidas Mehta)
Tara Mandir (One of the oldest Planetoriam’s of India)
Ram Krishna Mission (Swami Vivekananda stayed here for 4 months)

-Best Time To Visit: October to March

-Janmashtami Mela(5 days), celebrated in the month of Shraavana as per Hindu Calendar, You can have rides, foods and enjoy much more stuffs , Must visit Once
Notable people Mahatma Gandhi the father of the Nation was born here
Dilip Joshi actor (playing lead role as Jethalal Gada in Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah)
Sudama (also known as Kuchela) friend of lord Krishna(mentioned in Shrimad Bhagvat)
Nanji Kalidas Mehta Founder of Mehta Group